Reflective cone-shaped markers help reduce traffic accidents on the Trung Luong

Authorities have placed orange, reflective warning signs for drivers to use as a warning in case of a vehicle breakdown.

Orange, reflective, warning cones with lights are placed at least twice at each point along both sides of the road, spaced 500 meters apart.

Drivers will use the warning cone to alert others when their vehicle encounters a problem.

To make it easier for drivers to identify, authorities have also provided a sign with the following message: "The cone-shaped marker is used to signal a vehicle breakdown. Please put it back on after use," and a phone number for reporting breakdowns requiring assistance.

According to the Highway Traffic Control Team No. 7 - Traffic Police Department ( Ministry of Public Security ), the placement of warning cones aims to assist vehicles in unexpected incidents. Drivers will use the cones placed approximately 150 meters behind their vehicles to warn other drivers, and vehicles behind them will see the signal, reduce speed, and proactively change lanes in a timely manner.

Drivers use warning signs on their vehicles when they experience problems.

Mr. Tran Van Ben, a truck driver who regularly transports fruit from Can Tho City to Binh Dien wholesale market, said that his truck has experienced tire blowouts a few times, but thanks to the warning cones, the waiting time for repairs feels safer and more secure.

The instruction panel reads: "The cone-shaped marker is for signaling vehicle breakdowns. Please replace it after use," and includes a phone number for emergency assistance.

The Trung Luong – My Thuan expressway has only one main lane in each direction and lacks an emergency stopping lane, despite a very high traffic volume and frequent incidents. With a distance of only 5km between two emergency stopping points, most vehicles experiencing problems have to stop right on the main lane. In reality, most vehicles are not equipped with safety caps or warning devices to signal when an emergency stop is required.

Now that cone markers are readily available along the route, drivers can quickly pick them up to place warning signs on the spot and call for emergency services.

According to statistics from the highway management unit, in the nearly four months since the cones were deployed, there have been 320 cases of vehicle breakdowns, of which more than 64 cases involved the use of the pre-installed cones. Authorities and road users need to widely disseminate information so that drivers are aware of and use them when necessary to minimize traffic collisions on the Trung Luong – My Thuan expressway.